adminLONDON. — It was six years ago last month when Mauricio Pochettino and his assistant Jesus Perez were spotted having lunch with Sir Alex Ferguson at Scott’s restaurant in Mayfair.
It was an informal meeting between Manchester United’s most decorated manager, a club ambassador, and the then Tottenham boss. The pair played down the optics, despite the doubts concerning the future of incumbent United manager Louis van Gaal. It is a footballing relationship that has never come about.
Ferguson and Pochettino have struck up an acquaintance from attending League Managers Association dinners and have spoken publicly of their mutual respect and admiration as top managers and coaches in the game.
After his shock departure from Tottenham in November 2019, there was sentiment for his return to football at Paris Saint-Germain in January 2021, as Thomas Tuchel’s successor at the Parc des Princes.
“I’m happy and honoured to take on the role as the club has always held a special place in my heart,” said Pochettino, who played 95 times at PSG as a player.
“I return to the club today with a lot of ambition and humility and am eager to work with some of the world’s most talented players. We will also do our utmost to give our team the combative and attacking playing identity that Parisian fans have always loved.”
But it was fulfilling this identity and managing a dressing room brimming with such talent that proved Pochettino’s biggest challenge. Despite winning the 2021 Coupe de France and 2022 Ligue 1 title, his failure to bring UEFA Champions League glory is thought to be the reason he is leaving the club.
He was gone in a 35-word statement.
“Paris Saint-Germain confirm that Mauricio Pochettino has ended his role at the club. The club would like to thank Mauricio Pochettino and his staff for their work and wish them the best for the future.”
Pochettino, who was appointed in January 2021, won the Ligue 1 title in 2021-22 and the French Cup in 2020-21 but failed to deliver in the Champions League, the only major trophy that has eluded PSG since Qatar Sports Investment took over in 2011. He now finds himself at a crossroads with no obvious route as he reflects on his time in Paris. How have previous managers coped post-PSG?
Carlo Ancelotti — 1x Copa del Rey (2014), 2x Champions League (2014, 2022), 1x Super Cup (2014), FIFA Club World Cup (2014), 1x Bundesliga (2017), 1x La Liga (2022)
Unai Emery — 1x Europa League finalist (2019), 1x Europa League (2021), 1x Champions League semi-finalist (2022)
Thomas Tuchel — 1x Champions League (2021), 1x Super Cup (2021), 1x UEFA Men’s Coach of the Year (2021), 1x The Best FIFA Football Coach (2021), 1x FIFA Club World Cup (2021) — SkySports.
Online Reporter